Virgin and Child Enthroned with the Archangel Michael, and Saints Lawrence, Stephen, George

c. 1425-1426

Giovanni dal Ponte

Italian (Florentine)

1385-c. 1437/1438

Tempera painting on three lindenwood panels

CMA 1954.23

This triptych, or three-panel altar, is an example of the International Gothic style which exerted great influence over the art of Western Europe in the early 15th century. Characterized by rich, decorative details and graceful linear qualities, this style is evident in the silver helmet and sword of the two flanking saints and the ornate handling of the figures. The altarpiece is a complex symbol of salvation and Christ's destiny as savior. The Annunciation is portrayed in the pinnacles of the wings while, in the central panel, Christ points to a goldfinch, the symbol of his passion and sacrifice. Above the central panel is the resurrected Christ holding a book with the Greek symbols for Alpha and Omega which refer to Revelations, “I am the beginning and the ending….” On the right, St. George conquers a dragon, a common symbol for good over evil, while St. Michael weighs the souls of the dead. Saints Stephen and Lawrence, on either side of Mary, are popular early martyrs whose lives act as models for the viewer.